Business leaders are the least likely among hospitality professionals to have accessed training on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), despite more than 60% reporting they would like to do so, according to the 2023 Inside Hospitality Report from nonprofit Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH).
Founder Lorraine Copes revealed the results of the survey of more than 3,000 employees at an event in London yesterday (19 June), reiterating the need to provide education and training across all tiers of hospitality businesses.
The report found that 62% of employees who had witnessed discrimination at work cited racial bias as the reason, while 40% had a low level of trust in their company’s ability to address concerns.
The report also found the Black and Asian employees are more likely to be on zero-hour and part-time contracts, with White employees more likely to hold managerial and full-time roles.
The survey found a strong appetite for training on inclusion – with ethnic minority employees the most interested in receiving training – but comparatively low access to workshops and other resources.
A range of panellists supported the findings while discussing their experiences at the event.
The Leadership, Culture, and Careers panel featured Bharti Radix, founder of BloomsYard; Michelle Moreno, director for QAB Leadership; The Biltmore’s HR director, Sting Khumalo; and co-founder of Otolo, Kieron Bailer.
It explored how to attract recruits by changing the perception of the sector, while emphasising EDI despite staffing struggles.
Panellists also spoke about the importance of mentorship and inclusion for older workers.
The Role of Education to Advance Change panel featured Gillian Jackson, director of engagement at House of St Barnabus; Reshma Sonchchatla, founder of Chapati Club; Eva Arnaiz, MD for the Village People Pub Group; and Theo-Lee Houston, founder of Slinger.
They discussed the importance of training for middle management as well as CEOs and front-of-house workers, while sharing information and feedback on workshops and mentorship programmes between businesses.
Holding both leaders and investors accountable for enacting policies rather than just providing learning opportunities is also crucial, panellists agreed.
The final panel, Combating Discrimination at Work, featured Dorothea Jones, EDI lead at the Institute of Hospitality; Lisa Wang, founder of Recipes for Inclusion; Olajide Alabi, equality, inclusion, & wellbeing partner for Turtle Bay; and Raj Markandoo, operations director at Bubala.
They discussed creating a culture that allows employees to feel comfortable in speaking out.
Panellists also underscored the importance of a cross-sectoral framework in helping organisations building trust over time and increasing transparency.
“There’s a concrete ceiling rather than a grass ceiling,” Jones said.
Commenting on the report, Copes added: “What is concerning is that the results surrounding discrimination, education at all levels, and the building of trust have remained stagnant. With this robust data set, my hope is that leaders now take heed and take action.”
